Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
What are the biomechanical consequences of a structural leg length discrepancy on the adolescent spine during
Christian Bangerter1, Jacqueline Romkes2, Silvio Lorenzetti3
1Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland; Physio Hildebrandt, Sickingerstrasse 4, 3014 Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
Structural leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common phenomenon. However, its effect on spinal gait kinematics remains unclear.
Research Question:
How does LLD affect spinal gait kinematics in patients with structural LLD and what is the immediate effect of a shoe lift?.
Methods:
10 adolescents with structural LLD (20-60 mm) and 14 healthy controls were included. All of whom were fitted with a trunk marker set and requested to walk barefoot as well as with an orthotic shoe lift (only patients). Data were collected using a 12-camera motion capture system. Group comparisons were conducted using one-dimensional Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM).
Results:
Patients with LLD showed statistically significant increased frontal plane lumbar bending angles to the longer side (p = 0.007), increased pelvic drop on the shorter side (p < 0.001) and increased hip adduction angles on the longer leg (p < 0.001) compared to the healthy controls. In the sagittal plane, patients demonstrated changed knee (shorter leg) and ankle joint (longer leg) motion. All gait deviations observed in patients with LLD could immediately be altered by correcting the LLD using a shoe lift.
Significance:
Due to the LLD, patients showed a lateral pelvic drop on the shorter side, which appeared to be compensated for by a contralateral bending in the lumbar spine and a lateral shift of the pelvis towards the longer side. In addition, the use of an orthotic correction seems to be a suitable option to instantly normalize gait kinematics in patients with mild to moderate LLD.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Muscles that Move the Leg
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed...
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence

